WestJet reports July traffic results

CALGARY, Aug. 4, 2011 /PRNewswire/ - WestJet today announced July 2011 traffic results with a load factor of 81.6 per cent. Revenue passenger miles (RPMs) or traffic increased 8.4 per cent year over year, and capacity, measured in available seat miles (ASMs), grew 7.2 per cent over the same period. WestJet flew an additional 109,000 guests this July compared to July last year.

"Our capacity increases were met with healthy demand and we are pleased with the strong load factor this month," commented WestJet President and CEO Gregg Saretsky. "July is typically one of the busiest months of the year and I want to express my gratitude for the extra effort displayed by WestJetters who continue to go above and beyond to deliver a world-class guest experience."

July 2011 traffic results

July 2011

July 2010

Change

Load factor

81.6%

80.7%

0.9 pts.

ASMs (billions)

1.861

1.736

7.2%

RPMs (billions)

1.520

1.402

8.4%

Year-to-date 2011

Year-to-date 2010

Change

Load factor

80.3%

80.8%

(0.5 pts.)

ASMs (billions)

12.330

11.220

9.9%

RPMs (billions)

9.902

9.067

9.2%

In July, WestJet released its winter 2011-2012 flight schedule which included new service to San Juan, Puerto Rico. The airline also introduced new non-stop seasonal service to popular sun destinations from Kelowna, London, Thunder Bay, Victoria and Winnipeg.

On July 14, 2011, WestJet and RBC launched a promotional campaign, offering guests who sign up for a new WestJet RBC World MasterCard or WestJet RBC MasterCard$350 or $100 WestJet dollars respectively. "Recent research indicates WestJet reward dollars and the travel insurance benefits of our cards are of high value to cardholders," said Bob Cummings, WestJet Executive Vice-President, Sales, Marketing and Guest Experience. "We are confident that this value proposition, further supported by our promotional offer, will be very attractive to Canadians."

About WestJet

WestJet is Canada's favourite airline, offering scheduled service throughout its 71-city North American and Caribbean network. Inducted into Canada's Most Admired Corporate Cultures Hall of Fame and named one of Canada's best employers, WestJet pioneered low-cost flying in Canada. Named a J.D. Power 2011 Customer Service Champion, WestJet offers increased legroom, leather seats and live seatback television provided by Bell TV on its modern fleet of 96 Boeing Next-Generation 737 aircraft. With future confirmed deliveries for an additional 39 aircraft through 2018, WestJet strives to be one of the five most successful international airlines in the world.